Rusape hospital in sound state

Forward Nyanyiwa Correspondent

The Ministry of Health and Child Care yesterday dismissed as false, a message which went viral on social media alleging that Rusape General Hospital was now doing laundry in Rusape River.

The false message which predictably provided fodder to anti-Government commentators alleged that service delivery had collapsed at the health institution.

“Laundry from Rusape General Hospital being done in Rusape River. Photo was taken yesterday. People drink same water downstream,” read the message which was accompanied by a picture of blankets heaped on a rock along the river bank.

Responding through their Twitter handle, @Ministry of Health and Child Care, the ministry said the story is fake and officials on the ground had dismissed it.

“The ministry has noted with concern the fake message circulating on social media platforms that laundry at Rusape Hospital was being done in Rusape River.

“Following enquiries with ministry officials on the ground, the ministry can confirm that the message is fake and would like to hereby advise members of the public accordingly,” read the message.

Contacted for comment, Manicaland provincial medical director Dr Patron Mafaune also rubbished the story as a hoax.

“The story is not true. The district medical officer, the medical superintendent and the hospital administrator who are on the ground have indicated the circulating picture is fake news. The laundry is being done at Rusape Hospital’s laundry department,” he said.

Government has been on an offensive to re-equip public hospitals with basic drugs and machinery which was sourced from outside the country by President Mnangagwa.